If you’ve ever watched your dachshund frantically dig at their bed, burrow under blankets, or tunnel into the sofa cushions, you’re witnessing centuries of breeding in action. These charming “digging dogs” have deep-rooted instincts that explain their passion for burrowing. Understanding these natural behaviors will help you create a more fulfilling environment for your dachshund while redirecting potentially destructive habits. Mini dapple dachshund
The History Behind the Burrowing
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany in the 15th century to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. The name “dachshund” literally translates to “badger dog” in German. Their distinctive long bodies, powerful front paws, and determined personalities were specifically developed to:
- Enter tight underground tunnels
- Navigate complex burrow systems
- Confront and extract prey from their dens
- Withstand long periods underground
This working heritage is deeply ingrained in your modern companion’s DNA, explaining why even pampered dachshunds instinctively dig, burrow, and create “dens” wherever possible. Mini dapple dachshund
Common Burrowing Behaviors in Dachshunds
Blanket Diving
Perhaps the most endearing burrowing behavior, many dachshunds expertly navigate under covers, creating perfect nests before settling down. This behavior satisfies both their digging instinct and their desire for a secure, warm space.
Furniture Tunneling
The space between sofa cushions or under furniture provides irresistible tunneling opportunities. Your dachshund may create elaborate pathways through your living room furnishings, complete with “entrance” and “exit” points.
Bedding Rearrangement
That meticulous circling, scratching, and fluffing of bedding before lying down isn’t random—it’s your dachshund’s way of creating the perfect burrow. Wild canids perform similar behaviors to create safe sleeping spots and regulate temperature.
Garden Excavation
Unfortunately, some dachshunds extend their digging enthusiasm to your garden. Flowerbeds, with their loose soil, are particularly tempting to a dog bred to dig through earth to reach prey.
“Nosing” Under Objects
You might notice your dachshund using their long nose to push under toys, pillows, or rugs. This behavior mimics how they would navigate obstacles in wild burrows.
The Psychology Behind Burrowing
Burrowing fulfills several important psychological needs for your dachshund:
Safety and Security
Enclosed spaces provide a sense of protection. When your dachshund burrows under blankets, they’re creating a safe den where they can relax fully.
Temperature Regulation
Underground spaces maintain relatively stable temperatures. Burrowing behavior helps dachshunds stay warm in cold weather and cool during hot periods.
Comfort and Stress Relief
Many dachshunds burrow more frequently when anxious or overstimulated. The pressure of blankets or cushions creates a calming, womb-like environment that helps reduce stress.
Territory Creation
By rearranging bedding and creating specific sleeping spots, your dachshund is marking territory and creating a personalized space.
How to Support Healthy Burrowing Behaviors
Rather than discourage these natural instincts, savvy dachshund owners find ways to accommodate and redirect burrowing behaviors:
Create Designated Burrowing Spaces
- Specialized beds: Consider a cave-style or burrowing bed with an overhead cover
- Designated blankets: Keep soft, washable blankets specifically for burrowing
- Snuggle sacks: Fleece pouches designed for small dogs provide perfect burrowing opportunities
Use Proper Bedding
- Choose bedding materials that satisfy the digging instinct
- Blankets that can be easily arranged and “fluffed” up
- Washable materials that can stand up to frequent digging
Provide Appropriate Toys
- Puzzle toys that require “digging” to retrieve treats
- Stuffed toys that can be “captured” and taken to the burrow
- Snuffle mats that allow foraging behaviors
Designate Digging Areas
If your dachshund enjoys outdoor digging:
- Create a sandbox or designated digging pit
- Bury toys or treats in this area to encourage appropriate digging
- Praise and reward when they use the designated area
When Burrowing Behaviors Become Problems
While burrowing is natural, some behaviors may need intervention:
Excessive Digging
If your dachshund digs obsessively at the same spot for extended periods, this could indicate anxiety or boredom rather than normal burrowing behavior.
Destructive Burrowing
Tearing furniture, scratching floors, or destroying bedding goes beyond normal burrowing and requires redirection.
Signs of Distress
If burrowing is accompanied by whining, panting, or other signs of distress, your dachshund may be experiencing anxiety that needs addressing.
Addressing Problematic Behaviors
- Increase physical exercise and mental stimulation
- Consider anxiety-reducing techniques if stress seems to be the cause
- Provide more appropriate burrowing alternatives
- Consult with a veterinarian if behaviors seem compulsive
Entertaining Your Burrowing Companion
Make burrowing fun for both you and your dachshund:
“Find It” Games
Hide treats under blankets or in approved digging areas to create a rewarding hunting experience.
Blanket Forts
Create temporary blanket structures for your dachshund to explore, mimicking complex tunnel systems.
Rotating Toys
Keep burrowing toys interesting by rotating them regularly and introducing new textures and challenges.
Interactive Play
Use your hands under blankets to create “prey” movements that satisfy your dachshund’s hunting instincts in a playful way.
Embracing Your Dachshund’s Nature
Understanding that burrowing is a fundamental aspect of dachshund behavior allows you to create an environment where these instincts can be expressed appropriately. Rather than fighting against centuries of careful breeding, work with your dachshund’s natural tendencies. Mini dapple dachshund
By providing proper outlets for burrowing behaviors, you’ll not only have a happier, more fulfilled pet but also protect your home from unwanted excavation projects. And there’s something undeniably heartwarming about watching your dachshund contentedly arrange their perfect burrow—a charming reminder of the remarkable history and purpose behind these special little dogs. Dachshundbreedcouncil